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The recent global economic turmoil is a difficult reminder that growth and prosperity are by no means guaranteed. Governments can have a very real impact on the ability of the private sector to generate wealth, withstand downturns and, most importantly, create high-paying jobs. We know the consequences of high debts, uncontrollable government spending and poor regulation on a global scale. British Columbia was certainly not immune to the crisis but we have fared much better than most and have maintained our competitive advantage.

B.C. remains a low-tax jurisdiction, with a highly skilled labour force, abundant resources and our government understands that if we are going to continue to create jobs and grow our economy we must make the right decisions today.

The booming Asian economies will be a key part of B.C.’s growth now and for the next generation. “Canada Starts Here” isn’t just a convenient moniker for our Jobs Plan but a reality. Our ports are a full three sailing days closer to Asia than anywhere else in North America. That matters because time is money. Since we can’t assume that these key markets know our advantages, we have to consistently and aggressively promote B.C. and ensure our businesses are first in line.

Economic strength is shifting to Asia and our province is naturally suited to reap the benefits. That’s why one of my first major initiatives as premier was to lead a trade delegation to China and India, the largest delegation in B.C. history. We came back with 60 business deals and partnership agreements in key sectors including transportation, agriculture, energy, advanced education and forestry. I’m proud to report that we are already seeing results — our exports to China, India, Japan and Korea grew by more than 23.2 per cent. For the first time, we exported more to the Pacific Rim than to the United States.

We are going to continue to build upon our successes and I will be making another trip to Japan, Korea and the Philippines in May. Together with the minister for jobs, tourism and innovation, we will be showcasing B.C. businesses, building on trade relationships and opening doors for new businesses while securing our economic growth and jobs here at home.

Our government is focused on expanding and diversifying our access to the Asian markets and we are making significant capital investments to help get B.C goods to market. That’s why in our recently announced Pacific Gateway Transportation Strategy we committed to invest in major trade corridors, to increase major road and rail capacity, and to increase bulk and container terminal capacity at our ports.

The B.C. Labour Market Outlook estimates that over the next decade there will be more than one million job openings in the province. This is one of our greatest challenges, to ensure we have the right people with the right skills in the right regions of our province to sustain our growth. As our Jobs Plan says, government, business and educational institutions need to collaborate and work together to identify gaps, shortages and future needs.

Our government is acting to make sure people who invest in their education, skills training and development are finding meaningful work in our province. We also want to ensure that business can find the skilled workers they need to continue to grow and invest here.

A key commitment in our Jobs Plan is to create regional workforce tables as a new platform for key stakeholders to discuss how to best align existing training and labour market programs to meet regional employment opportunities and ensure British Columbians have access to training and job opportunities in their home communities.

Of course, our government worked hard alongside Seaspan Shipyards to secure the bid for the national shipbuilding procurement strategy. We listened to industry needs and announced funding for training and labour tax credits. Our collaboration ensured the long-term sustainability of an important B.C. sector.

In British Columbia we have it all: forestry, mining, agri-foods and energy. Our resource sector is an integral part of our province’s wealth. That’s why we have acted to develop strategic plans for long-term development and growth in these key sectors.

In January, we released our liquefied natural gas strategy. Global trade in LNG doubled between 2000 and 2010, and is expected to increase another 50 per cent by 2020. We have committed to having at least one LNG pipeline and terminal in operation by 2015. The first LNG export licence was granted to a facility being built in Kitimat just this year. We also have a number of investors and project proponents that could mean more than $20 billion in direct new investment and more than 9,000 construction jobs and 800 long term jobs. The potential of LNG is once in a generation.

Supporting LNG exploration, investment, development and export is one our government’s major commitments in the resource sector. But we have also committed to have in operation eight new mines, nine upgrades and expansions to existing mines.

Prosperity and economic growth is not a guarantee. Our government is focused on making the right decisions to keep our province moving forward. My priority is to continue keep our economy strong with high-paying jobs for British Columbians and their families today and for the next generation.

Christy Clark is the B.C. premier.

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